Wannarace62188

Hey everyone. Long time member here. Looking to buy the wife a MDX. Been a long time honda/acura owner. We are looking at a 2nd gen mdx. Is there anything I need to know about these cars? Common problems to look for? I am a mechanic but know nothing about the 3.7 in these. Never had to work on one or even look at one. I know the 08-09 has a 5 speed trans and 10+ is a 6 speed. Is either of these better than the other? I'm leaning towards a 2011-2013 personally. Also what are your thoughts on that magnetic ride? Am I better off going without it? Does it break? Just looking for some input before I pull the trigger on one of these awesome looking rides. Thanks everyone!

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Get the 6-speed tranny. Get one with the Tech package. If you get the Advance package with the upgraded shocks, they're pricy to replace. You won't miss not having them.

Alpine003

Besides the stuff already mentioned, it also comes down to a personal preference based on style and looks of various items.

Obviously the front/rear bumpers and grill are different.

'07-'09 got the darker interior wood, slightly different instrument cluster gauges, smaller rear headrests, slightly different center armrest, slightly different steering wheel, shadow line trim around the windows.

'10+ got the darker tinted rear taillights, darker black headlight interior trim, upgraded audio in the tech package, different wheels(slightly heavier),

mrgold35

The only difference from 10-13 is the price and graystone interior option in the +12 models. I think you can go for any base, tech or tech+Ent in any year and mileage. The sport (07-09) and Adv (10-13) are also pretty solid except for the magnetic ride struts/shocks. They can go out one at a time or in pairs at anytime. Even if you replace with new, they can go out again with little warning. So folks just replace with regular struts/shocks when they go out for about 1/3 the cost.

I went for the Adv+Ent model; but, I made sure I had some of the factory 4/50,000 miles warranty left. Good thing I did because I had a torn front endlink boot and the front magnetic struts go out at 35,000 miles. It might have costed me around $2000- $2500 if I had to pay out of pocket. Since I was still under the 4/50,000 miles, I got an Acura Care extended warranty for 5 more years or up to 120,000 miles for $2390. I will break even if they fail one more time in the next 5 years.

I love the adv features like ACC, CMBS, BSI, magnetic ride control, front seatbelt pretensioners, 3 setting heated and cooled seats, thicker front/rear sway bars, and auto level headlights. I get a lot of use from this tech when traveling. Hardly use them at all when just commuting to work or running errands (except for the cooled seats in NM).

Carpayment4life

Go for the base model w/tech and spend $750 in upgrades, to freshen it up.
Install the oem front & rear sway bars, from the sport/adv model.
The front swaybar bushings are stamped 24mm, but the bushings by raybestos #550-1369 are a perfect fit.
If the inner garnish assy (kick plates) are scratched up, they are $13 per side.
Wooden steering wheel is $395 and a wooden shift knob is $80.

Carpayment4life

Seeing how I can't figure out how to edit my post, I'll just quote it.

Maybe get a set of dedicated manuals: